STRUCTURE FOR STUDY SESSIONS

Another set of variables that contribute to the success of time spent studying have to do with how you structure your study sessions.  Several questions to consider are:
Have you developed realistic goals for the study session?	Having a specific, realistic goal for all study sessions is essential.  Expecting to accomplish too much in the time you have leads to discouragement.  Setting and achieving goals leads to a sense of accomplishment.  This is also critical for reducing stress and meeting deadlines.  Underestimating how long a task will take is likely to result in having less time to do another task, which causes stress.
Have you decided the order in which you will complete your tasks?	This makes your study plan more specific.  It's generally best to begin with difficult or boring subjects.  Your ability to concentrate will be highest when you begin studying and the task is more likely to take less time if you are at your best when you're doing it.   It's easier to find the motivation to do things you like to do, even when you are tired or have less energy.
Do you have a reward planned for yourself when you finish your study session?	Planning to reward yourself when you have finished your study session can be very effective for helping you accomplish the tasks you need to do, but only if you use restraint and don't allow yourself the reward until you've finished your studying for the day.  Rewards might be things like watching your favorite TV show, talking with a friend, going to a movie, or anything else you enjoy doing.  Make a list of the things you could use as rewards so you don't have to spend time thinking about your reward each day when you are planning your study period.
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